MLB Draft 2011... All about the draft

Final Mock Draft: Shooting for 33/33

2011-06-05T19:11:00.020-04:00

In this mock I weighted strong names linked with teams, past tendencies and off course signability.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates - Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA

The Pirates are considering Cole, Hultzen and Rendon in that order. Cole didn't pitch well in his last start before the draft but in his prior start he was magnificent. The stuff is too good to pass up while there are some questions about his delivery and lack of domination of the college hitters, more evident when his teammate Trevor Bauer demolished them, but if there is a pitcher likely to be a front line starter out of this draft its Cole.

2. Seattle Mariners - Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice

The Mariners are looking for hitter and are gonna get their wish with Rendon falling out of the race for the #1 pick. Rendon is the best college hitter since Evan Longoria and is as polish an amateur as it can get. This is an area where the Major league team needs strengthening but its not a "need" pick it just happens that BPA falls into their needs. The Mariners have done their due diligence and worked out Lindor, with reports saying it was impressive, but the only thing that could prevent Rendon from being the pick would be his Medicals but reports suggest they are on the hands of teams and nothing worrisome has come up.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks - Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA

This would be the first shocker if you will. I know its been said multiple times that the D Backs are on the Hultzen express for some time but reports suggest that they have been enamored with Bauer lately and he had an impressive last start before the draft. It wouldn't be a shock pick from a board standpoint but everybody assumes that with Hultzen on the board Arizona pounces on him but thats not as clear as it was earlier in the spring.

4. Baltimore Orioles - Danny Hultzen, LHP, UVA

The Orioles have been on Bundy all spring but they didn't anticipate Hultzen being available, as I said everybody assumes Arizona is his floor. Hultzen is from their back yard and they had success with the last time they drafted a college lefty with the 4th overall pick. Hultzen should be more affordable than Bundy too which is not to say thats the reason the Orioles would pick him over Bundy.

5. Kansas City Royals - Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso HS

Every Royals fan you see commenting on the their team's likely selection in the draft wants the local HS hero Bubba Starling but all the reports suggest that the Royals have a couple of other priorities in their mind which include pitching first and fore most. Bundy is considered by many the best pitcher in this draft, he has the best useful stuff and has the polish that suggest he could move as fast through a system as a college pitcher would. He carries a hefty price tag but the Royals spend in the draft and are not afraid of big money players.

6. Washington Nationals - Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, KS

Washington is in a good position they can get whomever falls out of the top 6th. Lately they have been on Starling, the 5-tool HS CF from Kansas.They would love to pair Harper with Starling but Harper is much more advance and Starling stands to take sometime in the minors and learn to make adjustments. Washington wants to make a splash so grabbing the most headline making prospect in the draft is a good way to start.

7. Arizona Diamondbacks (Loux - unsigned) - Francisco Lindor, SS, Monteverde Academy

Lindor worked out for the Mariners and had a good showing he also worked for the D Backs and reports suggest that if the College arms they like don't fall he's likely their top candidate. They have been talking for a while that a high price tag won't be an issue with this unprotected pick though in an ideal world they would like to get the sense of what the player is looking for.

8. Cleveland Indians - Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt

Third straight college arm in the first but this is a good one. Reports suggest that they are looking for an arm with this pick and are willing to spend but picking Gray here would allow them to sign more upside players in the later rounds and have multiple eggs in one basket not one boiling egg in one basket.

9. Chicago Cubs - Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow HS

Last year Chicago shocked everybody, even people that follow the draft form more that 30 years were shocked, so what are they gonna do for an encore? At least this year the name of the prospect they draft will be known prior to the selection. Archie Bradley would give the Cubs a high ceiling power arm in the mold of once uber Cubs prospect Kerry Wood. Bradley has a hefty price tag and an scholarship to play QB for OU but he is a better baseball prospect than football and the Cubs have the financial ability to pay the price

10. San Diego Padres (Whitson - unsigned) - Matt Barnes, RHP, UCONN

San Diego have been scouting Uconn lately this spring and Barnes has stood out. He had a good showing in the cape and team USA last summer. San Diego gets one of the better College pitchers in the draft and at this point is singable.

11. Houston Astros - Jed Bradley, LHP, Georgia Tech

A late rumor had the Astros trying to work a pre-deal with a lefty who ranks below the top 50 on many boards in Chris Reed but they shut down the rumor down and said they will go BPA. They've been on Jed Bradley all spring and would love to get him at this spot. They also like Archie Bradley(no relation) but he figures to be gone at this point.

12. Milwaukee Brewers - Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Spring Valley HS, SC

The rumor on this pick is that they are looking a pitching and like Barnes and Jed Bradley but both are gone. In a perfect world they'd prefer a college pitcher but the ones left are not superior to the HS arms that they been connected to. Guerrieri is one of them and his arsenal fits well with what the Brewers like.

13. New York Mets - Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas

This would the ideal pick for the Mets who have been on the Texas righty a lot this spring and should give the Mets another fast to the bigs RHP. Its been reported that the Mets will have a chance to spend in this draft but like in the case with the Indians, spreading the wealth is their likely path.

14. Florida Marlins - Levi Michael, SS, UNC

The Marlins have been connected to a host of college player this spring and it seems they want players that are gonna help then sooner rather than later. Michael fits that mold and reports suggest they've been on him this spring.

15. Milwaukee Brewers (Covey - unsigned) - Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU

This would be and ideal pick for the Brewers who have been on Mahtook all spring. There have been scares lately that the Cubs and Marlins are looking at him so the Brewers may decide to go ahead with Mahtook with the 12th pick and wait for their pitcher with this pick.

16. Los Angeles Dodgers - Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra HS

The Dodgers day-to-day operations are being watch by MLB and it doesn't look like that will be solved any time soon so whoever they pick her has to sign for slot. Last year the shocked everybody and went with the unsignable Zach Lee who ended up signing for a big bonus but the Dodgers can't do the same this year because MLB has to approve the bonus they give out and MLB won't approve an above slot bonus. If Stephenson signs for slot he's the likely pick and would be a very good pick under the circumstances.

17. Los Angeles Angels - Javier Baez, SS/3B, Arlington County Day School

The Angels are in the wait and see mode, they would love if HS athlete falls to them in this case Baez did. He has been getting a lot of buzz in the 9-17 picks but each team has different boards and its possible he's not #1 on that board until the 17th pick. This would give the Angels one of the better hitters in the draft.

18. Oakland Athletics - George Springer, OF, UConn

Dream scenario for the A's who covet College athletes. Springer is one of the best college athletes in a long time, he's a 5-tool CF with the ability and speed to stay in the position and offer big time power. He needs refinement with his hit tool but should be at least avg with it. He's a lot like Reds CF Drew Stubbs.

19. Boston Red Sox (V. Martinez - DET) - Josh Bell, OF, Jesuit HS

There have been a lot of talk about whether Bell is unsignable but I think he's this years Zach Lee and a lot of reports suggest that the Red Sox are one of the teams heavily interested in Bell. The Red Sox generally prefer to take singable player with their first pick but in this draft past tendencies are out of the waters. They have been talking a lot about this being the last draft for teams to sign player with high demands and are looking forward to take advantage of it for the last time. No other pick would signal this more than Bell.

20. Colorado Rockies - C.J. Cron, 1b, Utah

Most of the rumors regarding Colorado suggest they are looking at a college hitter and have been in on Cron for a while now. That would give them a power hitting 1B to replace Helton in a couple of years.

21. Toronto Blue Jays - Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn

Toronto has been link with a host of players but Norris is the one that sounds the strongest. A high price tag has floated prior to the draft but that wont stop the Blue Jays from drafting him.

22. St. Louis Cardinals - Henry Owens, LHP, Edison HS, Calif.

The Cardinals would love to see Norris fall to them but the Blue Jays are hot and heavy after him making that scenario unlikely. They have been on Owens as an alternative and would likely scoop him up with this pick.

23. Washington Nationals (Dunn - CWS) - Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky

Fresh off getting Starling with their first pick the National would love it if a player they considered with the 6th pick falls to them. They are one of the teams that has been on him all spring and wouldn't pass him here.

24. Tampa Bay Rays (Crawford - BOS) - Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso HS

The Rays draft bonanza begins with a local high ceiling arm that they likely can sign. This draft will be property the Rays picking 10 times before Detroit gets to pick the Rays will likely diversify their portfolio and mix high upside picks with higher probability picks.

25. San Diego Padres - Cory Spangenberg, 3B/OF, Indiana Rivers JC

Like Washington, San Diego is very happy that a player they considered for the 10th pick fell to them at 25th. There have been a lot of chatter in the 14-20 range for Spagenberg but I have a lot of trouble placing him with a team and passing on higher rated talent. This is a more logical spot for him.

26. Boston Red Sox (Beltre - TEX) - Brandon Nimmo, OF, East HS, Cheyenne, Wyo

The Red Sox showed last year that they are not afraid of doing something they like in the draft. They went with four straight College players at the top of their draft not because they are overly conservative but because thats what the board gave them. Like wise they've been seen in Wyo checking out Nimmo and are one of the teams heavily interested.

27. Cincinnati Reds - Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii

The Reds are one of the teams hard to pegged for me. A lot of reports suggest they are in on college pitching but my guess is they wouldn't over draft someone just for the sake of of drafting a college pitcher. Wong would be higher than this in their board making it difficult for them to pass him up.

28. Atlanta Braves - Dwight Smith Jr., OF, McIntosh HS, Ga

Atlanta has had a lot of success drafting from their back yard and reports suggest they are looking a athletes in the draft. They have Smith high on their list and would need to get him now as he won't make it to their next pick.

29. San Francisco Giants - Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, Oakland

A lot of reports suggest the Giants have made Ross their top target and would pounce on him if he's there. He has a UCLA commitment but the Giants have deep enough pockets to be able to sign the local product.

30. Minnesota Twins - Trevor story, SS, Irving HS, TX

The Twins have two traits for their first round pick. One is polish college strike throwers and high upside HS athletes. In this scenario I have them picking Story who is one of the better HS athletes in the draft and would give them an up the middle prospect. They have two picks in the supp round and could get a college arm comparable to the ones available here. They've been on Story and he probably is not available with their next pick.

31. Tampa Bay Rays (R. Soriano - NYY) - Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami Dade JC

Goodwin is one of the better athletes in the draft something the Rays covet. He started the spring slow but has recovered and is now getting interest in the back of the 1st round.

32. Tampa Bay Rays - Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy HS

The Rays do well with HS arms and Howard is one of the better available. He also has a high price tag but the Rays figure to take a gamble with one of their first round picks. He fits their mold of project able HS arms and would give them another one in the 1st round.

33. Texas Rangers (C. Lee - PHI) - Travis Harrison, 3B/OF, Tustin HS

The Rangers have shown interest on Brandon Nimmo and would be high on their list with this pick but he's gone. They have shown interest in Harrison who is getting interest in the back of the first and would give them a power hitting HS bat. He's likely to command an above slot deal but the Rangers have enough money to get it done.

Reports (1-10)

2011-06-01T16:40:00.000-04:00

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
Rendon is the best college hitter in the draft since Evan Longoria back in 2006, in fact he is the most accomplish college hitter in quite sometime. His combination of power and patience at the plate is rare, he has above-avg power to all fields and lays off tough pitches with the best of them, in fact he could stand to be more aggressive with pitches in the zone. His last two summers have been cut short by two fluke injuries and his junior season has been far from his standards due to injuries to his shoulder, new bats and teams not pitching to him. Despite the injuries Rendon is ranked as the number one player on the board, the only concern would be his shoulder but there hasn't been information made public about the extent of the injuries and its long term effect. He projects as a .300 hitter with 25-30 HR and gold glove defense at third.

2. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS
With a 6'1 frame, mid 90s heat and polish beyond his years there is not much not to like about Bundy. HS pitchers tend to be risky propositions but Bundy has the goods to be the best pitcher taken in the 2011 draft. His FB ranges from 94-97 and has touched the upper 90s including 100MPH this spring. He has an easy, clean delivery that he repeats very well thanks to his athleticism, he throws a curve, cutter and change-up to go along with his fast ball, both the curve ball and cutter get plus grades while his change up is just avg but useable. There were concerns about his pitch counts early but his pitch could have been normal this year. His price tag is steep but he's worth it.

3. Danny Hultzen, LHP, UVA
Hultzen was considered a polish lefty with avg stuff prior to his junior year, he started the season in spectacular fashion and scouts started to flock in to find out that his stuff was much improve. He now sits 92-93 with his FB, plus for a lefty, and reaches the mid 90s when he needs it. His command of his FB is considered the best in this draft, he also commands an above-avg change up and a slider. Hultzen is in consideration for the #1 pick because of his polish.

4. Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
Cole has the 6'4 frame to be a power pitcher, he sits in the upper 90s, touching 98-99 in the 8th inning of his last outing, including a 101 reading. He also has a hard biting slider and a power change up. He struggles with his command and some scouts question his ability to be a starting pitcher long term because of his delivery. His ceiling is of a front line starter if he can clean up his delivery as he has been doing and improve his command. Earlier in the year Cole was the #1 player on many boards then hit a rough stretch but ended on a high note, as I said earlier hitting 98-99 multiple times in the 8th inning.

5. Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA
Bauer has been performing as the best college pitcher this year, with 8 consecutive complete games and 9 overall on the season. He's not all stats as he also has one of the better arms in the draft, which include a mid 90s FB, plus biting curve ball and above-avg change up. His delivery is reminiscent of Tim Lincecum's, who he patterns his game after, and gives him deception but scouts question if it will lead him to an injury. Scouts also question his pitch counts and he is and avid long toss fanatic which some clubs don't like. Other question how well he's gonna translate to pro-ball since he is a strike out pitcher that gets hitter to chase pitches out of the zone which he may have trouble doing at the higher levels. Bauer is a workout junkie and has a unique workout that he credits for him being able to a lot of pitches, he doesn't believe in pitch counts.

6. Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, KS
Starling is the athlete a lot of organizations look for, he has above-avg speed, power and plus arm. He has a fluid swing at the plate but it gets long at times and he'll need time adjusting to pro-ball. He hasn't faced top competition in the Kansas City high school ranks but he performed well in the summer circuit. Starling is also a Nebraska football commit so his price tag is steep.

7. Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde (Fla.) Academy
Lindor is one of the youngest player in the draft, if not the youngest, but he plays beyond his years. High school SS are not always certain to stay at the position but Lindor is considered to be a plus defender at the position and he has the frame to add muscle and not lose much of a step, he has the fluid actions and tremendous hands that scouts look for in SS. At the plate Lindor has a compact stroke from both sides and has a knack for making contact. Lindor's power is a question mark but some scouts think he should able to grow into a bit more power while never being a big part of his game.

8. Matt Barnes, RHP, Uconn
Barnes is the best prospect from the northeast and with good reason. His FB ranges from 92-96 while touching the upper 90s add his 2-seamer, cutter and sharp biting curve ball and he has the repertoire of a power pitcher. He has the frame to add more muscle once he gets into a pro program. Barnes doesn't have a lot mileage in his arm which scouts like.

9. Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS
Bradley is another power arm in the 2011 draft. His fastball sits in the mid 90s and touched the triple digits multiple times this spring. His curve ball is rated as the best in the draft and it has sharp biting action. He started slow this spring with his command for all his pitches wavering in and out but he got hot late. He is also a HS QB committed to the University of Oklahoma on a football/baseball scholarship but is generally considered a better pitching prospect than QB.

10. Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt
Gray has one of the better curve balls in the draft, a sharp biting pitch that he sets up with his 90-95 MHP fast ball. His other pitches specially his change up has taken steps forward and now is a usable pitch when used off his fast ball. He is short so some scouts question whether he'll hold up in a full season and see his FB/CB combination as ideal for a late inning relieve. thats said Gray is one of the better athletes in the draft, has a clean delivery and the stuff to be a front-line starter he'll get a chance to prove scouts wrong.

Final Mock: Sneak Preview

2011-05-30T13:18:00.002-04:00

Here is the top 10:

    1. Pittsburgh Pirates - Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA - Best arm in the draft was throwing 99 MPH deep into the game in his last start.
    2. Seattle Mariners - Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice - The best college hitter to come out of the draft since Evan Longoria.
    3. Arizona Diamondbacks - Danny Hultzen, LHP, UVA - Polish college lefty, his stuff has been a tick above what it was a year ago.
    4. Baltimore Orioles - Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso HS - One of the best HS righties in a long time. Has the polish of a college pitcher, thats what entices the Orioles.
    5. Kansas City Royals - Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS - I hear a lot that they want a college pitcher the ones they like are gone so am not gonna reach for a pitcher they go with a local product that has as much upside as anyone in this draft.
    6. Washington Nationals - Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA - Rumors say that they covet him so I'll concur.
    7. Arizona Diamondbacks - Francisco Lindor, SS, Monteverde Academy - This is also a hot spot for pitcher but I think Lindor makes sense. I've hear too much good stuff about Lindor from scouts for him to fall.
    8. Cleveland Indians - Matt Barnes, RHP, UCONN - High powered arm and it seems the Indians covet arms, especially college arms, could see Archie Bradley but the price tag is too high for the Indians.
    9. Chicago Cubs - Javier Baez, SS/3B, Arlington County Day School - Every year there is a surprise but this may not be as much of a surprise since Baez has been getting a lot of buzz this high in the draft.
    10. San Diego Padres (Whitson - unsigned) - Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky - Jed drafted him when he was with the Red Sox and they have said that money will not be an issue. Meyer has moved up all spring with his performance and may go as as 6th to the Nats depending on how things shake up in the draft.

What do you guys think?

Draft Notes

2011-05-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

Gerrit Cole was back on track last night. Keith Law reported that he hit 99 multiple times deep in the game and hit 101 MPH on his gun. Here is a tweet pic of his gun reading.
Theo Epstein was reportedly in Texas to watch power hitting outfielder Josh Bell in the playoffs. Bell hit an estimated 400 ft HR to straight away CF.
Jim Callis came out with his latest Mock draft. The biggest surprise to me was Javier Baez ahead of Lindor but overall it is a good mock draft. I've been trying to do mine and there is so much talent that it is hard to place them with the right team.
Performing well before the draft may have some effect on team's draft boards. The talent is so close that performance may be a deciding factor. Gerrit Cole turned it around last night as I said and Buster Olney reported yesterday that the Pirates are still considering him. The #1 pick is wide open unlike the last two drafts.
Anthony Rendon was back on the field this week but playing 2nd base, he also hit a HR. If there is nothing wrong with his shoulder he is most talented and the most likely to be a star from this draft.
We should hear about Rendon's shoulder and ankle before the draft as his medical report is supposedly at the scouting bureau waiting for Rendon's permission to be released to teams.

Updated Top 60 - Part II

2011-05-27T17:10:00.000-04:00

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice **
2. Danny Hultzen, LHP, UVA **
3.Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS **
4. Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA **
5. Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA **
6. Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, KS **
7.Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde (Fla.) Academy **
8. Matt Barnes, RHP, Uconn **
9.Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS **
10. Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt **
11.Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas **
12. Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky **
13. George Springer, OF, Uconn **
14. Javier Baez, C/SS/3B, Arlington Country Day HS, Jacksonville **
15. Josh Bell, OF, Jesuit HS, TX **
16. Cory Spangenberg, 3B, Indian River State (Fla.) JC **
17. Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU **
18. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Spring Valley HS, Columbia, SC **
19. Jed Bradley, LHP, Georgia Tech**
20. Levi Michael, SS, UNC **
21. Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland HS, NM **
22. Brandon Nimmo, OF, East HS, Cheyenne, Wyo **
23. Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn. **
24. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso HS, Tampa **
25. C.J Cron, 1B/OF, Utah **
26. Josh Osich, LHP, Oregon St **
27. Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii **
28. Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy (Ark.) HS **
29. Tyler Anderson, LHP, Oregon **
30. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra, Ca **
31. Andrew Susac, C, Oregon ST **
32. John Stilson, RHP, Texas A&M **
33. Jackie Bradley Jr, OF, South Carolina **
34. Austin Hedges, C, Jserra HS, San Juan Capistrano, Ca **
35. Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami Dade JC **
36. Henry Owens, LHP, Edison HS, Ca **
37. Tyler Beede, RHP, Lawrence Academy, Mass **
38. Jason Esposito, 3B, Vanderbilt **
39. Matt Dean, 3B, The Colony HS, TX **
40. Alex Dickerson, 1B/OF, Indiana **
41. Anthony Meo, RHP, Coastal Carolina **
42. Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, Ca **
43. Larry Greene, OF/1B, Berrien County HS, Nashville, Ga **
44. Andrew Chafin, LHP, Kent State **
45. Cam Gallagher, C, Manheim Township HS, Pa **
46. Dwight Smith Jr, OF, McIntosh HS, Peachtree City, Ga **
47. Jorge Lopez,RHP, Academia de Milagrosa, Cayey, P.R **
48. Michael Kelly, RHP, West Boca Raton, Fla **
49. Trevor Story, Irving HS, TX **
50. Kes Carter, OF, Western Kentucky **
51. Nicky Delmonico, 3B/C, Farragut HS, Knoxville, Tn **
52. Kyle Crick, RHP, Sherman HS, TX **
53. Travis Harrison, 3B/OF/1B, Tustin HS, Ca **
54. Kyle Winkler, RHP, TCU **
55. Williams Jerez, OF, Grand Street HS, Brooklyn**
56. Hudson Boyd, RHP, Bishop Verot HS, Fla **
57. Granden Goetzman, OF, Palmetto (Fla.) HS **
58. Tyler Goeddel, OF/3B, Saint Francis HS, Ca **
59. Jake Hager, SS/3B, Sierra Vista HS, NV **
60. Kevin Comer, RHP, Seneca HS, NJ **

**
Higher: **
Dropped: **
Same: **
New: **

* This is not the final List, I'll update it two days before the draft.

* I am working on my final mock, it will be out the day before the draft. A lot of things are changing as signability is starting to leak out. I don't think there will be someone that drops much lower than expected just because of signability. Teams will go with the BPA they like rather than passing on guys strictly because of signability.

*Cold names right now are: Jed Bradley, Gerrit Cole, Blake Swihart and Taylor Guerrieri.

* Hot names right now are: Dylan Bundy, Francisco Lindor, Javier Baez, Archie Bradley, Cory Spangenberg and C.J Cron.

Austin Hedges Quickness

2011-05-19T00:22:00.000-04:00

Check out this YouTube video of Tyler Goedel, IF/OF, St. Francis HS, CA. I want you guys to focus on the Catcher behind the plate, Austin Hedges, almost at the end of the vid.

Hedges is the best HS Catcher in this draft. I know Swihart is ranked higher but thats based on his bat and there are questions about his ability to stay behind the plate.

Hedges is lauded for his defensive work but it is better seeing it with your own eyes than reading it with your own eyes. Thats quickness that can't be teach, how he transfers the ball so easy, clean from glove to hand to get the runner at first.

He has questions about his bat but his defensive work is worth a team taking a gamble on the bat, because he does have power and the question marks are workable. At the very least he offers Gold Glove caliber defense behind the plate or if things work the right way he is an All-star catcher.

I'd be remiss if I don mention that the price tag is steep, since he has a strong UCLA commitment, but I think he is worth it.

Updated Top 60

2011-05-15T19:41:00.001-04:00

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice **
2. Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA **
3. Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, KS **
4. Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt **
5. Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA **
6. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS **
7. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia **
8. Matt Barnes, RHP, Uconn **
9. Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas **
10. Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde (Fla.) Academy **
11. Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS **
12. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Spring Valley HS, Columbia, SC **
13. Jed Bradley, LHP, Georgia Tech **
14. Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU **
15. Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland HS, NM **
16. Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn. **
17. Javier Baez, C/SS/3B, Arlington Country Day HS, Jacksonville **
18. Josh Bell, OF, Jesuit HS, TX **
19. George Springer, OF, Uconn **
20. Levi Michael, SS, UNC **
21. Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky **
22. Brandon Nimmo, OF, East HS, Cheyenne, Wyo **
23. Cory Spangenberg, 3B, Indian River State (Fla.) JC **
24. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso HS, Tampa **
25. Austin Hedges, C, Jserra HS, San Juan Capistrano, Ca **
26. Josh Osich, LHP, Oregon St **
27. Andrew Susac, C, Oregon ST **
28. Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy (Ark.) HS **
29. Tyler Anderson, LHP, Oregon **
30. Matt Purke, LHP, TCU **
31. Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii **
32. John Stilson, RHP, Texas A&M **
33. Jackie Bradley Jr, OF, South Carolina **
34. C.J Cron, 1B/OF, Utah **
35. Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami Dade JC **
36. Henry Owens, LHP, Edison HS, Ca **
37. Tyler Beede, RHP, Lawrence Academy, Mass **
38. Jason Esposito, 3B, Vanderbilt **
39. Derek Fisher, OF, Cedar Crest HS, Lebanon, Pa **
40. Alex Dickerson, 1B/OF, Indiana **
41. Anthony Meo, RHP, Coastal Carolina **
42. Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, Ca **
43. Larry Greene, OF/1B, Berrien County HS, Nashville, Ga **
44. Andrew Chafin, LHP, Kent State **
45. Charlie Tilson, OF, New Trier, IL **
46. Dwight Smith Jr, OF, McIntosh HS, Peachtree City, Ga **
47. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra, Ca **
48. Michael Kelly, RHP, West Boca Raton, Fla **
49. Kevin Comer, RHP, Seneca HS, NJ **
50. Dillon Maples, RHP, Pinecrest HS, N.C **
51. Nicky Delmonico, 3B/C, Farragut HS, Knoxville, Tn **
52. Kyle Crick, RHP, Sherman HS, TX **
53. Travis Harrison, 3B/OF/1B, Tustin HS, Ca **
54. Kyle Winkler, RHP, TCU **
55. James McCann, C, Arkansas **
56. Hudson Boyd, RHP, Bishop Verot HS, Fla **
57. Johnny Eierman, OF/SS, Warsaw HS, Mo **
58. Tyler Goeddel, OF/3B, Saint Francis HS, Ca **
59. Jake Hager, SS/3B, Sierra Vista HS, NV **
60. Philip Evans, SS, La Costa HS, Ca **

Codes

Higher: **
Dropped: **
Same: **
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Top 60 Prospects in the 2011 Draft

2011-05-02T21:01:00.002-04:00

Here is my draft board for the 2011 Draft, I'll update it from here until the week before the draft.

1. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice
2. Gerrit Cole, RHP, UCLA
3. Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, Gardner, KS
4. Sonny Gray, RHP, Vanderbilt
5. Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA
6. Dylan Bundy, RHP, Owasso (Okla.) HS
7. Danny Hultzen, LHP, Virginia
8. Jed Bradley, LHP, Georgia Tech
9. Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde (Fla.) Academy
10. Matt Barnes, RHP, Uconn
11. Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas
12. Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Spring Valley HS, Columbia, S.C.
13. Archie Bradley, RHP, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS
14. Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland HS, NM
15. George Springer, OF, Uconn
16. Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill HS, Johnson City, Tenn.
17. Andrew Susac, C, Oregon ST
18. Josh Bell, OF, Jesuit HS, TX
19. Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU
20. Kolten Wong, 2B, Hawaii
21. Tyler Anderson, LHP, Oregon
22. Brandon Nimmo, OF, East HS, Cheyenne, Wyo
23. Derek Fisher, OF, Cedar Crest HS, Lebanon, Pa
24. Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso HS, Tampa
25. Brian Goodwin, OF, Miami Dade JC
26. Javier Baez, C/SS/3B, Arlington Country Day HS, Jacksonville
27. Jason Esposito, 3B, Vanderbilt
28. Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy (Ark.) HS
29. Alex Meyer, RHP, Kentucky
30. Levi Michael, SS, UNC
31. John Stilson, RHP, Texas A&M
32. Jackie Bradley Jr, OF, South Carolina
33. Andrew Chafin, LHP, Kent State
34. Josh Osich, LHP, Oregon St
35. Henry Owens, LHP, Edison HS, Ca
36. Tyler Beede, RHP, Lawrence Academy, Mass
37. Austin Hedges, C, Jserra HS, San Juan Capistrano, Ca
38. Cory Spangenberg, 3B, Indian River State (Fla.) JC
39. Alex Dickerson, 1B/OF, Indiana
40. Anthony Meo, RHP, Coastal Carolina
41. Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, Ca
42. Nicky Delmonico, 3B/C, Farragut HS, Knoxville, Tn
43. C.J Cron, 1B/OF, Utah
44. Peter O'Brien, C, Bethune-Cookman
45. Dwight Smith Jr, OF, McIntosh HS, Peachtree City, Ga
46. Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra, Ca
47. Michael Kelly, RHP, West Boca Raton, Fla
48. Charlie Tilson, OF, New Trier, IL
49. Dillon Maples, RHP, Pinecrest HS, N.C
50. Tyler Goeddel, 3B, Saint Francis, Ca
51. Billy Flamion, OF, Central Catholic HS, Ca
52. Travis Harrison, 3B/OF/1B, Tustin HS, Ca
53. Kyle Winkler, RHP, TCU
54. James McCann, C, Arkansas
55. Kevin Comer, RHP, Seneca, NJ
56. Tyler Greene, SS, West Boca, Fla
57. Kyle Smith, RHP, Santaluces HS, Fla
58. Dominic Jose, OF, Boca raton, Fla
59. Zach Cone, OF, Georgia
60. Matt Purke, LHP, TCU

The Dodgers Ownership Situation And The Draft

2011-04-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

This week MLB commissioner Bud Selig announced that do the financial and personal trouble Dodgers' owner Frank McCourt is going through MLB will oversea operations of the team. I'm not going to get into that but if you want to read about the ramifications you can read this article on SI.COM

I wonder how this is going to affect the Dodgers who pick 16th in the first round. Last year everybody assumed that they didn't have any money which case they went on to draft Zach Lee, probably the biggest sign-ability pick of the draft. What was more surprising was that they signed him for a record bonus of ~$5 Million.

This time it will be more difficult as MLB will be overseeing operation of the club, which means that they'll have to approve or deny any deal. MLB has been a strong supporter of the slotting system so how would it look if they let a team that they are overseeing operations go above slot? don't get me wrong, if every other team is able to do it they should too but that would be like MLB admitting that the system is broken.

My overall feeling is that we'll see the Dodgers go with what has worked for them which is HS pitching but they'll be out of high price ones that drop because of demands. In 2009 MLB was in the same situation with Texas and they blocked a deal with their first round pick Matt Purke that year so the Dodgers know MLB has done it in the past and wouldn't want to walk down that path.

In Other News:

Taylor Guerrieri: Baseball America had a game report on Taylor Guerrieri the other day. He reportedly sat 93-96 MPH and showed a wicked Curve ball. One scout was quoted as saying "When you look at what big leaguers do, he does that already. He's a lot of fun to watch and I like him a lot, but he's the kind of pick that's not up to an area scout."

You can read more on Guerrieri's outing HERE

Matt Purke: TCU Left-Hander Matt Purke was sliding into the middle of the first round after he missed a start with a blister and his stuff wasn't as sharp as last year. I saw him top out at 91 and show more of a slurve rather than the mid 90s FB and sharp breaking ball we saw last year. This week there was more bad news as Purke was shut down for the rest of the season with shoulder soreness. He went to see Dr. James Andrews and we are still waiting on the prognosis. His draft status is more cloudy now as team fear Shoulder injuries more than elbow injuries. I'll update his status as news come in.

Mid-Season Mock Draft

2011-04-09T14:30:00.002-04:00

Things are starting to become more clear as players are rising and solidifying themselves at top of the draft while others are sliding based on performance.

1. Pirates - Gerrit Cole, SP, UCLA - Has been impressive the early going. The Pirates will have to make a decision on whether they want pitching or hitting.

2. Mariners - Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice - The consensus #1 pick coming into the season is not getting a lot of pitches to hit, while keeping his amazing plate discipline. That's the main reason for him sliding from #1 to #2.

3. Diamondbacks - Danny Hultzen, SP, UVA - The biggest riser so far is having an amazing season. The DBacks drafted him out of HS and like him even more now.

4. Orioles - Sonny Gray, SP, Vanderbilt - A short righty but with an amazing arm. Has the best stuff in the draft behind Cole and has a chance to move fast through the minors.

5. Royals - Bubba Starling, OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, KS - One of the best HS athletes to come into the draft in a while. Comparisons to Josh Hamilton because of their physical tools. Do the Royals have the $5 million that it will likely cost to buy him out of a Nebraska Football commitment?

6. Nationals - Francisco Lindor, SS, Montverde Academy, Fla - The Nationals go with up the middle talent. Lindor is one the most sure bets to stay at the position and has the tools to become an all star SS.

7. Diamondbacks - John Stilson, RP, Texas A&M - This pick isn't protected so the DBacks go with a player that they could sign relatively easy.

8. Indians - Matt Barnes, SP, Connecticut - Powerful righty with a pitchers frame. The Indians have been loading up on pitchers and could have a very strong rotation in the near future.

9. Cubs - Matt Purke, SP, TCU - One of the draft best left handers is sliding do to concerns about his below par stuff this season none the less he's still a top 10 pick. The Cubs may have one of the biggest steals in the draft.

10. Padres - Jed Bradley, SP, Georgia Tech - Lefty starter with a mix of pitches. This pick is not protected so San Diego goes safe but don't underestimate Bradley as he is one of the best pitchers in this draft.

11. Astros - George Springer, OF, Connecticut - Five-tool college out-fielders normally don't last this long but Springer has not shown he can cut down his strike outs. None the less his raw ability will get him drafted, probably higher that this.

12. Brewers - Daniel Norris, SP, Science Hill HS, Tenn - The Brewer need to re-stock their system and need to produce home grown pitching. Norris is one of the best HS lefties and one of the best pitchers overall.

13. Mets - Jackie Bradley Jr, OF, South Caroline - The Mets are an enigma with their new money ball front office. The new front office has a reputation of favoring the College player so they go with one of the best college bats in the draft.

14. Marlins - Dylan Bundy, SP, Owasso (Okla.) HS - The Marlins have a connection with Oklahoma and like to draft HS righties. Bundy fits the mold and could one of the steals of the draft.

15. Brewers - Mikie Mahtook, OF, LSU - Mahtook is a very athletic player that can do a little bit of everything on the baseball field. He is making adjustments and answering question about his approach at the plate. Definitely a riser.

16. Dodgers - Trevor Bauer SP, UCLA - The Dodgers draft pitchers with their first pick of the draft going back to James Loney in 2002. This is not the year for that to change since this draft if deep in pitching. Bauer will be an absolute steal, teams will shy away because of some of the antics but he can pitch.

17. Angels - Archie Bradley, SP, Broken Arrow (Okla.) HS - Archie is only sliding do to signability concerns. He is one of the best athletes in the draft, committed to Oklahoma on a football scholarship, but is also highly touted on the baseball field. The Angels have the deep pockets to buy him out of that commitment.

18. Athletics - Taylor Jungmann, SP, Texas - One of the best college arms. Has inconsistent mechanics if no he would go higher. The A's have gone with position players in the last few drafts, this draft is strong in college pitching, this is their opportunity.

19. Red Sox - Josh Bell, OF, Jesuit College Prep, TX - One of the most powerful bats in the draft. Switch hitter with a good hit tool for a highschooler, having a big Senior season in Texas.

20. Rockies - Dillon Howard, SP, Searcy (Ark.) HS - Strong HS right hander with a mid 90s fast ball and shows a pretty good slider. You can never have enough pitching and the Rockies need to produce their own.

21. Blue Jays - Jose Fernandez, SP, Alonso HS, Fla - Powerful right hander with a fast ball that has touch 97. The Blue Jays showed last year that they are not afraid to go with the projection pick.

22. Cardinals - Andrew Sussac, C, Oregon State - Last year the Cardinals drafted a sophomore college player this year they do the same with Sussac. A powerful bat behind the plate is a pretty good commodity.

23. Nationals - Tyler Anderson, SP, Oregon - An aggressive 4-pitch lefty with a strong arsenal of pitches. Profiles as a mid of the rotation starter. Every team needs to develop their own pitchers, Anderson is one of the safest bets.

24. Rays - Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland HS, Rio Rancho, NM - One of the most athletic catchers in the draft. Strong defense behind the plate with a lot of physical projection left. Definitely a projection pick.

25. Padres - Henry Owens, SP, Edison HS, Huntington Beach, CA - Tall, lean left hander with a low 90s fast ball but with a lot of projection. Could go higher on draft day.

26. Red Sox - Tyler Beede, SP, Lawrence Academy, Mass - 4-pitch right hander from the HS ranks are not very common. Beede has the celing of a 1-2 pitchers. The Red Sox go with a player from their backyard.

27. Reds - Taylor Guerrieri, SP, Spring Valley HS, SC - One of the fastest movers from the HS ranks. Showing mid 90s fast ball with life. Should go higher on draft day.

28. Braves - Nicky Delmonico, C/3B, Farragut HS, Knoxville, TN - High ceiling HS hitter, questions about his defense behind the plate but his bat should play anywhere.

29. Giants - Alex Dickerson, OF/1B, Indiana - Powerful, strong, right hander power hitter from the college ranks.

30. Twins - Jason Esposito, 3B/2B, Vanderbilt - Having trouble with the new bats so he could go lower, need to start producing.

31. Rays - Javier Baez, SS, Arlington Country Day School, Fla - Riser that has shown the ability to play in the middle of the field. Shows the depth of the draft, that he would last this long.

32. Rays - Michael Kelly, SP, Community HS, Boca Raton, Fla - Tall right hander from the HS ranks with a mid 90s fast ball. Inconsistency has hurt him a bit.

33. Rangers - Alex Meyer, SP/RP, Kentucky - Tall right hander with high 90s heat has trouble with his command. A wild card on draft day.

Anthony Rendon: Update

2011-02-27T22:46:00.001-05:00

Rice 3rd baseman and likely #1 pick in the 2011 draft, Anthony Rendon, got back on track after starting slow in the first week of the season. Rendon, who missed most of the summer with a foot injury, looked rusty in his first weekend but is now hitting .393/.514/.643 with 2 home run, while posting his usual video game like BB/K ratios.

Rendon is considered one of the best hitters coming from College in a long time. His plate discipline is one of his best tools, evidenced by his low k rate and high walk rate, walking more than he strikes out. But thats not all Rendon offers, he has well above average power and has enough athleticism to be an above avg defender at 3rd. Simply he is one of the most complete college hitters in a long time.

The last two draft have gotten big publicity because of the two guys at the top, Strasburg and Harper now teammates with the Nationals, while Rendon may not get the same publicity he is right there with them as far as talent.

It was reported earlier in the week that the Boras corporation is going to advise Rendon. The Pirates have shied away from Boras clients in the past but it would be a huge mistake if they don't take him with the #1 pick. He is the clear favorite since he is already answering the main question mark coming into the year. "Can he bounce back from the injury?" he is showing that he can shake the dust off.

Weekend of College Baseball

2011-02-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

Danny Hultzen LHP/DH, Virginia had a great game today against East Carolina, both at the plate and on the mound.

On the mound Hultzen went 7 innings deep with 15 strike outs while only allowing an earned run, zero walks and three hits on 24 batters faced. At the plate he went 3/4 with 3RBI.

Hultzen is one of the top lefties in the draft, with performances like this he'll improve his draft stock as the draft nears. This Draft class is deep in College pitching so if Hultzen wants to separate from the pack this is a great place to start.

I'll make more reports later, so make sure to check it out.

The Waaayyyyyyyyy Too Early Mock Draft

2011-02-19T03:56:00.001-05:00

1. Pirates - Anthony Rendon 3b, Rice
2. Mariners - Gerrit Cole RHP, UCLA
3. Diamondbacks - George Springer OF, UCONN
4. Orioles - Matt Purke LPH, TCU
5. Royals - Jackie Bradley OF, South Carolina
6. Nationals - Danny Hultzen LHP, Virginia
7. Diamondbacks - Matt Barnes RHP, UCONN
8. Indians - Archie Bradley RHP, Broken Arrow HS, OK
9. Cubs - Sonny Gray RHP, Vanderbilt
10. Padres - Taylor Jungmann RHP, Texas
11. Astros - Dylan Bundy RHP, Owasso HS, OK
12. Brewers - Trevor Bauer RHP, UCLA
13. Mets - Jason Esposito INF, Vanderbilt
14. Marlins - Jose Fernandez RHP, Alonso HS, Tampa
15. Brewers - Peter O'brien C, Bethune-Cookman
16. Dodgers - Daniel Norris LHP, Science Hill HS, Tenn
17. Angels - Bubba Starling OF, Gardner-Edgerton HS, KS
18. Athletics - Jed Bradley LHP, Georgia Tech
19. Red Sox - Josh Bell OF, Jesuit HS, TX
20. Rockies - Henry Owens LHP, Edison HS, Calif.
21. Blue Jays - Francisco Lindor SS, Monte Verde Academy, FLA.
22. Cardinals - Anthony Meo RHP, Costal Carolina
23. Nationals - Mikie Mahtook OF, LSU
24. Rays - Brian Goodwin OF, Miami Dade JC
25. Padres - John Stilson RHP, Texas A&M
26. Red Sox - Blake Swihart C, Cleveland HS, NM
27. Reds - Alex Dickerson OF, Indiana
28. Braves - Tyler Anderson LHP, Oregon
29. Giants - Austin Wood RHP, USC
30. Twins - Derek Fisher, Cedar Crest HS, PA.
31. Rays - Brandon Nimmo OF, East HS, Wyo
32. Rays - Austin Hedges C, JSerra HS, Calif.
33. Rangers - Alex Meyer RHP, Kentucky

As the title says, this is the waaaayyyyyyyyyy too early mock draft, it will definitely change as players perform well while others don't perform up to expectations. I'll post all the draft news and post more accurate mocks as the season goes along.